Se connecterLucas exhaled heavily, breaking the tense silence in the hallway. “Since everyone has been paired, can we finally go inside and get some rest? I really need to sleep.”A chorus of tired mumbles and nods spread across the hallway in immediate agreement.Adrian reluctantly dragged his burning gaze away from Zeda, turning his attention to the rest of the unit. “Everyone head inside and get enough sleep so you’re ready for tomorrow.“We leave at exactly 6:30 AM, which means everyone needs to be downstairs in the lobby at least five minutes before then. Is that clear?”“Yes, Prince Adrian,” the group chorused in unison.With one final, lingering look at Zeda and Oliver, Adrian turned on his heel and stepped into the room he had inspected earlier. Ava followed closely behind him, a smug smile playing on her lips before she shut the door.Ignoring the lingering stares around her, Zeda headed straight for the last room at the end of the corridor. Oliver stepped in right after her, pushing the
A heavy silence settled over the second-floor corridor as everyone waited for Adrian to answer Oliver’s question.Before Adrian could even open his mouth, Zeda quickly staked her claim. “I’ll be staying with Prince Adrian,” she declared, stepping forward.A collective gasp rippled through the hallway, and half of the team widened their eyes in complete shock at her bold statement.Zeda didn't care about their reactions. She kept her chin up, looking straight at Adrian as she smoothly justified her words. “Adrian is my assigned tutor, and he agreed we would use our downtime to work together on controlling my elements. It’s the best way to make sure I’m properly prepared for tomorrow’s mission.”Before Adrian could respond, Ava immediately interjected, her voice sharp and loud enough for everyone to hear. “That won't be necessary.”Zeda whipped around, glaring at her with cold irritation.Ava held her gaze without flinching, stepping up beside Adrian. “No matter how much you and Adrian
Zeda pulled her phone out from her side pocket to view the unexpected text message that had just come in. The moment her eyes landed on the sender's name, a wide, genuine smile broke across her face.It was Torvin.She tapped on the notification to read the message:DEBTOR, I HEARD YOU ARE OUT ON A MISSION. MAKE SURE TO KICK SOME ASS FOR BOTH OF US AND PLEASE BE CAREFUL. EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO STAY CLOSE TO THAT BOOKWORM.Zeda laughed softly at his nickname for Adrian, shaking her head at the rolling-eyes emoji he had attached to the end.“Now this is how you show you care for someone,” She mumbled quietly to herself, the bitter sting of how Adrian had brushed her aside earlier instantly softening.With her mood instantly elevated, she dialed Torvin’s number without a second thought, not caring at all that she was currently sitting in a hotel lobby surrounded by her fellow mages.She grinned as he picked up on the first ring.“Hello, Master,” Zeda chirped happily.Torvin chuckled over th
The motor coach finally halted in front of a rustic, two-story local hotel tucked on the edge of the remote town. It was a faded brick building with peeling beige paint along the window frames and a cracked concrete parking space out front.Zeda stepped out onto the damp gravel, letting out a long breath as she stretched her stiff limbs.The air here was cool and thick with the scent of wet earth. Heavy, dark clouds were gathering rapidly across the evening sky, slowly swallowing the last traces of daylight and turning the air cold.A heavy rainfall was definitely not far off, and she was relieved they had made it in time.She was looking forward to curling up in bed, hopefully with Adrian keeping her warm once the chill set in.Her eyes drifted to Adrian as he walked several paces ahead of the group, his tall frame cutting through the dim twilight. He marched straight toward the hotel lobby without a single glance back to see if she was following or sticking close to him like she was
“Well...” Adrian started, frowning slightly as if considering the thought for the very first time. “Come to think of it, he has to be.“It’s the only logical explanation for why he’s the only demon in this academy, and honestly, the only one I’ve ever seen.”Zeda scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. “You’re crazy.”Adrian turned his body toward her completely, his expression darkening. “Seriously, Zeda, think about it. That portal was opened only once in history, fifty years ago, when those six demons entered the earth realm.“Lucian has to be one of them, because there isn't a single spirit mage left and there’s no record of another portal ever opening after that.”Zeda kept shaking her head, refusing to let the idea take root. “That’s not true. He could have found another way through, or maybe he was just born here on earth.”“There is no other way,” Adrian said, his tone turning stern. “Because if there was, it would have been—”“Just because it wasn't recorded doesn't mean it’s
Zeda followed close behind Adrian as the fire, earth, air, and water units of the selected mages piled into the motor coach with deeply tinted windows that sat idling on the gravel.Just like on her first mission, Mr. Percival sought her out before she could climb aboard. He called her aside with a wave of his hand, his pale, angular face carrying a mix of genuine concern and quiet encouragement that made his red eyes look less intimidating than usual.Adrian lingered nearby for a second, a curious frown touching his brow, before entering the vehicle.“Are you ready for your second mission, Zeda?” Mr. Percival asked, looking down at her.Zeda forced a courageous smile onto her face. “A hundred percent, sir.”The worried look on Mr. Percival's face eased a little at her answer, just as she had intended. “Good. But remember that you’re still not in control of your powers yet, so don't get cocky out there and lose your focus which will put your life in danger.“I want you glued to Adrian
The sound of bone cracking filled Zeda’s ears as the Werewolves began shifting into their animal form, but not all of them made it before Adrian and Rylan attacked.Adrian sent a gush of wind in the form of a small tornado down the corridor that instantly swept them off their feet, sending them fly
“Adrian,” Zeda called out as he opened the door to the room he had chosen. Adrian turned to look at her, his expression a mix of skepticism and irritation.She walked up to him while the remaining people still picking rooms glanced at them curiously before disappearing inside.“Sorry, I just wanted
“Everything will change?” Zeda frowned, her curiosity bubbling over. “What do you mean, sir? What exactly will change?”Mr. Percival chuckled at her urgency. “You’ll have to find out yourself, dear.”“But—”"Hush, dear," he interrupted her. His voice was still calm, but was laced with authority now
“I totally don’t get it,” Zeda sighed to Carrie the next day.Out of sheer curiosity, she had scrolled through Lucian’s profile. To her amazement, all their pictures and videos together he had posted on their date were still proudly displayed. He hadn’t uploaded any recent posts since the party, ei







